Alex Pereira has admitted that another heavyweight defeat could force him to reconsider his UFC future. The former two-division champion will face Sergei Pavlovich on December 12 after losing his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane. The Alex Pereira UFC 335 matchup now carries greater importance following his latest comments. Pereira also revealed his frustration with the UFC after missing out on fights he wanted.
Alex Pereira UFC 335 Fight Could End His Heavyweight Ambitions
Alex Pereira (13-4) has made it clear that he will not continue fighting heavyweights if his results remain disappointing. The 39-year-old Brazilian discussed his plans during an October 21 appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. His comments came ahead of his five-round heavyweight matchup against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335.
Pereira entered the division hoping to become the UFC’s first three-division champion. However, his second-round defeat against Ciryl Gane interrupted those ambitions and forced him to reconsider his options. Despite that setback, he decided to give heavyweight another opportunity before making a final decision.
The former champion acknowledged that competing against naturally larger opponents creates difficult physical challenges. He believes continuing to chase heavyweight success without positive results would make little sense. A return to light heavyweight remains an option if he cannot establish himself among the leading contenders.
Pereira also explained that his competitive nature influenced his decision to remain at heavyweight. He still wants to challenge the division’s strongest fighters and pursue another championship. However, he has no intention of becoming an opponent that younger contenders use to advance their careers.
Alex Pereira Reveals Frustration With UFC Matchmaking
Pereira also expressed disappointment with the UFC’s matchmaking decisions following his defeat against Gane. The Brazilian initially wanted another opportunity against the French champion, believing their first fight ended under controversial circumstances. He also considered a potential matchup against undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit.
According to Pereira, UFC officials previously discussed the possibility of arranging another fight against Gane. However, those discussions did not lead to an agreement. The promotion eventually booked Gane against Hokit and offered Pereira a different opponent.
Pereira admitted that the decision frustrated him because he had already identified his preferred matchups. He questioned the promotion’s approach but acknowledged that UFC officials ultimately control those arrangements. His disappointment did not prevent him from accepting the fight against Pavlovich.
The Brazilian also explained that he had considered facing Pavlovich before the UFC made its offer. He respected the Russian’s power and viewed the matchup as a serious challenge. Although the timing surprised him, Pereira believes the contest provides another opportunity to pursue his heavyweight ambitions.
Why Pereira Wanted a Rematch With Ciryl Gane
Pereira believes the finishing sequence against Gane included illegal strikes to the back of his head. He raised those concerns following their heavyweight championship fight in June 2026. However, the official result remained a second-round TKO victory for the French fighter.
The Brazilian wanted another opportunity to challenge Gane and settle their disagreement inside the Octagon. However, the promotion decided to move forward with another championship matchup. Pereira must now defeat Pavlovich before making another convincing argument for a title opportunity.
Ciryl Gane Defeat Changed Pereira’s Heavyweight Plans
Pereira entered UFC Freedom 250 with an opportunity to make promotional history. He had already captured the middleweight and light heavyweight championships before pursuing a third title. A victory against Gane would have made him the first fighter to win UFC championships across three divisions.
However, Gane (14-2, 1 NC) stopped Pereira in the second round of their June 14 matchup. The French heavyweight connected with effective punches before forcing the referee to intervene. Pereira’s unsuccessful divisional debut immediately changed the direction of his championship ambitions.
The result also influenced the wider UFC heavyweight championship picture. Gane subsequently became the undisputed champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the title. Pereira, meanwhile, needed another important victory to move back toward contention.
Despite the setback, Pereira believes he can still compete against elite heavyweights. He defended his durability during the recent interview and rejected criticism about his ability to absorb punches. However, another defeat could convince him that returning to a lighter division offers better opportunities.
Sergei Pavlovich Presents Another Dangerous Test at UFC 335
Sergei Pavlovich (21-3) enters UFC 335 with three consecutive victories and considerable knockout experience. The Russian heavyweight has recorded 16 professional wins by knockout. His aggressive boxing and powerful combinations make him one of the division’s most dangerous opponents.
Pavlovich previously challenged Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight championship in November 2023. He suffered a first-round knockout defeat before losing to Alexander Volkov in June 2024. However, he recovered from those setbacks and returned to the winning column.
His latest victory came against Tallison Teixeira in May 2026. Pavlovich stopped the Brazilian in just 39 seconds, demonstrating the finishing power that helped establish his reputation. The result strengthened his position among the leading heavyweight contenders.
Pereira recognizes that Pavlovich brings a different challenge from several of his previous opponents. The Russian combines considerable size with the ability to end fights through sudden punching exchanges. Pereira must manage that threat while finding opportunities to establish his own striking rhythm.
Can Alex Pereira Handle Pavlovich’s Knockout Power?
Pereira remains a dangerous striker with an accomplished kickboxing background and powerful counterattacks. His left hook and leg kicks have helped him defeat elite UFC opponents. However, heavyweight competition exposes him to fighters who naturally carry greater size and punching power.
Pavlovich often presses forward and looks for opportunities to overwhelm opponents with combinations. That approach could create difficulties for Pereira if he struggles to maintain distance. However, aggressive entries could also expose Pavlovich to the Brazilian’s accurate counterstriking.
Pereira’s defensive decisions may prove particularly important during the opening rounds. He cannot afford unnecessary exchanges against an opponent with Pavlovich’s finishing ability. His timing and distance management could determine whether he can control the contest.
Alex Pereira Plans to Compete at a Lower Weight Against Pavlovich
Pereira also revealed that he intends to enter his next heavyweight fight at a lighter weight. He weighed approximately 251 pounds for his championship matchup against Gane. However, he now believes reducing his weight could improve his movement and overall performance.
The Brazilian indicated that he expects to compete at approximately 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. That adjustment would make him roughly eight pounds lighter than his previous official weigh-in. He believes the change could help him feel more comfortable against Pavlovich.
However, reducing weight also creates potential disadvantages against naturally larger opponents. Pavlovich possesses considerable physical strength and experience competing in the heavyweight division. Pereira must balance improved mobility against the challenges of handling a heavier competitor.
The adjustment suggests that Pereira has reviewed his previous performance and identified areas for improvement. His team will need to determine whether the change benefits his striking and defensive movement. The December matchup will provide an important test of that approach.
Could Alex Pereira Return to Light Heavyweight After UFC 335?
A return to light heavyweight remains a realistic option if Pereira loses against Pavlovich. The Brazilian previously enjoyed considerable success at 205 pounds, winning the UFC championship and defending it against leading contenders. His accomplishments established him among the division’s most successful recent champions.
However, the championship picture has changed since Pereira moved to heavyweight. Carlos Ulberg now holds the light heavyweight title after defeating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Pereira would therefore return to a division with a different champion and several potential opponents.
Magomed Ankalaev represents one possible matchup if Pereira decides to move back down. Their rivalry stands at one victory each after two championship contests. Ankalaev previously defeated Pereira at UFC 313 before losing their rematch at UFC 320.
The Russian has also discussed another opportunity against his former rival. His UFC Abu Dhabi comeback followed the championship defeat and helped him rebuild momentum. However, the promotion has not officially announced a third meeting between the fighters.
Pereira has not committed to returning to light heavyweight immediately after another loss. He intends to evaluate his situation following UFC 335 before making that decision. His performance against Pavlovich will likely influence which direction he chooses.
Pereira Says He Has Nothing Left to Prove in MMA
Pereira also discussed his financial security and long-term plans during the interview. The former champion believes his fighting career has already provided stability for his family. He also highlighted the importance of his charitable institute and the future he has built outside competition.
The Brazilian understands that his remaining competitive years may be limited. He will turn 40 in July 2027 and has already experienced a demanding career across kickboxing and MMA. However, he continues fighting because he enjoys competition and wants another championship.
His achievements include winning the UFC middleweight championship against Israel Adesanya in November 2022. That victory helped establish him among the sport’s leading names before his move to light heavyweight. His success also contributes to discussions about the greatest UFC middleweight fighters of all time.
Pereira believes he no longer needs to compete simply to establish his legacy. However, his competitive ambitions remain strong enough to motivate another heavyweight attempt. He wants to pursue meaningful opportunities rather than continue fighting without a clear direction.
UFC 335 Date, Venue, and Fight Details
UFC 335 takes place on December 12, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pereira and Pavlovich will meet in a five-round heavyweight co-main event. Both fighters enter the matchup hoping to move closer to another championship opportunity.
The main event features Charles Oliveira against Diego Lopes for the BMF title. The card also includes a middleweight matchup between Joe Pyfer and Bo Nickal. These contests give the December event several significant attractions across different divisions.
Pereira will enter the Octagon seeking his first heavyweight victory after losing to Gane. Pavlovich hopes to extend his winning streak to four fights and strengthen his championship credentials. Their matchup could have important consequences for the heavyweight rankings.
Final Thoughts
Alex Pereira enters UFC 335 knowing another heavyweight defeat could force him to reconsider his future. His loss to Ciryl Gane already interrupted his pursuit of a third UFC championship. Now, Sergei Pavlovich presents another dangerous challenge against a naturally larger opponent.
Pereira’s frustration with recent matchmaking decisions also highlights the difficulties surrounding his heavyweight ambitions. He wanted another opportunity against Gane but must first overcome Pavlovich. His willingness to accept the matchup demonstrates that he remains motivated to compete.
A victory would strengthen Pereira’s position among the leading heavyweight contenders. However, another loss could lead him back to light heavyweight, where he previously enjoyed considerable championship success. The December 12 fight will help determine his next career move.
FAQs About Alex Pereira UFC 335
1. Who is Alex Pereira fighting at UFC 335?
Alex Pereira will face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round heavyweight co-main event. The matchup takes place December 12, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
2. Will Alex Pereira leave heavyweight if he loses at UFC 335?
Pereira has indicated that another heavyweight defeat could convince him to leave the division. He may consider returning to light heavyweight instead of continuing against naturally larger opponents.
3. Why is Alex Pereira frustrated with the UFC?
Pereira wanted another fight against Ciryl Gane or a potential matchup with Josh Hokit. However, the UFC arranged different fights and eventually booked Pereira against Pavlovich.
4. What is Alex Pereira’s professional MMA record before UFC 335?
Alex Pereira holds a 13-4 professional MMA record heading into UFC 335. His latest fight ended in a second-round TKO defeat against Ciryl Gane.
5. When and where will UFC 335 take place?
UFC 335 takes place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pereira and Pavlovich will compete in the heavyweight co-main event.
